Top 3 Places to Buy Single Origin Specialty Foods in Fort Collins
The latest foodie craze is upon us — single-origin food and drink. Single-origin is exactly as it sounds — products sourced from a single country or locale. Single-origin goods also have ethics in mind, and allow consumers to taste the world. Here I’ll give you the low-down on the premier spots for these single-origin foods in FoCo.
1. Nuance Chocolate
Nuance is one of the few bean-to-bar chocolatiers in the United States. They source their own beans through agreements that are stricter than fair trade, roast them in their factory, and complete the entire chocolate-making process from start to finish. They also have one of the largest varieties of single-origin chocolate bars. Try a dark chocolate bar made with beans from Ghana for cherry, honey and vanilla notes, or a piece of a Madagascar bar for a fruitier, raspberry-acidic flavor. Ordering a flight is the easiest way to compare these delectable origins side-by-side.
2. Harbinger Coffee
This is no run-of-the-mill coffee shop. It’s truly a hipster’s paradise, with a large bar filling the center of their North location. Visitors can watch their pour-over specialty coffees made before their eyes, and can choose to add macadamia milk or select the special of that season. Within the selection of pour-over coffees you’ll find single-origin blends accompanied by detailed flavor profiles. You can even pick up a bag to take home. Harbinger is also working on funding their own roastery in Fort Collins, so while those beans may not be local, the process will be. If you’re interested in a tasting here, check out their free weekly “cuppings” on Saturdays at 2 p.m.
3. Savory Spice Shop
If you’re looking to spice up your own cooking at home, Savory Spice may be the place for you. While the store is one of many, they provide regional specialties such as French Thyme, Saigon Cinnamon, Madagascar Cloves and many others. Aside from the global flair of their goods, they’ve also partnered with some more local companies, like Backyard Soda Company, The Good Jar, and Elevation Ketchup. A great way to introduce yourself to their products is through a visit — the store has a sampling jar for every spice so you can taste and sniff to your heart’s content. If you need to see the products in action, try out the Fort Collins Foodie Walk, where you’ll get to sample bites at multiple Old Town stores, including Savory Spice. Or if you’re feeling spendy, give their Spice Club a try and you’ll receive spices monthly along with recipes.
